Hydrology and Hydrodynamics Master's Degree Program

UW CEE’s Hydrology and Hydrodynamics Master’s Program focuses on physical, chemical and biological processes in freshwater systems. The program provides both a solid background in all traditional areas of hydrology and hydrodynamics, as well as technological advances in numerical modeling, environmental observations and monitoring, and satellite remote sensing to address growing challenges in the natural and built environment with global change. Graduate students work closely with faculty and also interact with leaders in the local professional community, many of whom are UW graduates, through special courses taught by practitioners, field trips, seminars and professional society meetings.

Careers

People with advanced degrees in the hydrology and hydrodynamics area pursue careers in diverse areas including water resources engineering, coastal engineering, environmental restoration and management, risk management and design of hydraulic systems.

Degree Requirements

A total of 42 credits is required for the coursework based master’s program. The program is designed to train students to be competitive in the job market as expediently as possible, providing a breadth of experience across hydrology and hydrodynamics fields. Students in the coursework-based program typically graduate in about one year. Learn more about required coursework to complete the degree:

Research

The thesis master’s program is intended for students who will continue to the Ph.D. program. These students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with renowned faculty. UW students and faculty conduct research in a broad range of areas of hydrology and hydrodynamics, including hydrologic and hydrodynamic modeling and observations, hydrometeorology, ecohydrology, snow hydrology, atmospheric processes, biogeochemistry, flood and landslide risk, satellite hydrology and hydrodynamics, and water and health management. Research is funded by federal and state agencies such as the National Science Foundation, NASA and Environmental Protection Agency. Learn more about Hydrology and Hydrodynamic Research.